Marmion continues to build on success

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:24PM

Marmion is "Building Scholar Athletes,'' according to a motto on the scoreboard at Fichtel Field, while the once-struggling football program is building on recent success.

A 49-6 homecoming victory Saturday over Suburban Christian Blue rival Walther Lutheran was the latest step for a program that is headed to the state playoffs for the second straight year.

"The senior class last year changed the whole mentality of the program,'' said running back/linebacker T.J. Lally, a three-year varsity starter. "We listened to them and instilled it in the juniors. It's like a cycle now and we can keep it going.''

No. 22 Marmion (7-0, 4-0), ranked for the first time this year, had it going on both sides of the ball. Lally (118 yards, eight carries) scored on runs of one, 40 and 26 yards, and defensive back Rob Voirin returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown. A pick by Mike Carbonara preceded Nick Scoliere's 13-yard TD run for a 21-0 lead late in the first quarter. Garret Becker opened the scoring with a seven-yard run to culminate a 66-yard drive.

"It's important to come out and take it to them right away,'' Lally said.

That didn't use to be a storyline for Marmion.

"We've been preaching the same thing, more of a commitment from the players,'' said Dan Thorpe, in his sixth year as head coach. "Make sure you come to weightlifting, make sure you come to camp. That wasn't always true in the past. We just keep stepping forward.''

Marmion ends its regular season on the road against defending Class 5A champion Montini.

"That will probably be for the conference championship,'' Lally said. "They beat up on us for so long. If we can pull out a victory there, that would be great going into the playoffs.''

Sidney Arnold had an 11-yard TD run for Walther (2-5, 0-4) in the fourth quarter.

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